Summary presentation providing an overview of the UK Peatland Code. For more information, visit: http://www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/peatland-gateway/uk/peatland-code

2.  The voluntary standard for peatland restoration
projects in the UK that want to be sponsored on
the basis of their climate and other benefits
 Guidance for restoration projects
 Assurance for sponsors
 In pilot phase (2013-2015)
 Not an offsetting scheme
www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/peatland-
gateway/uk/peatland-code
Summary

3. Development
 IUCN Peatland conference, Stirling 2011
 Report for EMTF: ranked their top opportunity
 Highlighted in Defra’s PES Action Plan
 National Action Plan & Committee
on Climate Change: “key priority”
 Joint ministerial statement, 2013
 Code developed via Valuing
Nature Network project and
Defra PES Pilot

4. Governance
 Owned by IUCN UK Peatland Programme
 Steering group chaired by Paul Vaight:
 Government departments and agencies for UK and
devolved administrations
 Environmental NGOs
 Landowners
 Business
 Research
 Defra-funded R&D project to support pilot phase
managed by selected steering group members

5. Why is business interested?
 Reduce costs (some sectors)
 Demonstrate responsibility towards environment
 In future, meet environmental obligations
 Promote brands &
product lines linked
to peat
Restoration on Exmoor funded by South West Water

6. How much will it cost?
Note: these figures are
based on average
figures from across the
UK

7. How will it work for landowners?
 30 year contracts during pilot phase: a barrier?
 Negotiate price with sponsor
 Bi-laterally or via brokers
 Cover costs of work plus maintenance payments – no
set rate, to be agreed between buyer and seller
Submit Expression
of Interest to
Steering Group
Project Design
Document
Contracts and
project
implementation
Payment: lump sum
up front or annual
payments

8. www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/peatland-
gateway/uk/peatland-code

9. Video